Infant/Toddler: Taking Care of Baby’s Teeth

Children's health doesn't stop at the pool. Here is some information to take care of one of Swimtastic's favorite aspects of our students: their smiles. Dental decay, or cavities, is the most prevalent childhood disease and can begin as soon as the first tooth starts to erupt. If decay isn’t treated it can destroy the tooth possibly leading to infection or even damage to the permanent tooth developing beyond it. Decay happens when the tooth is in contact with sugary liquids and foods. Every time the tooth comes into contact with sugar there is an acid attack on the tooth. The more often the tooth is attacked the weaker it becomes. When teeth are in constant contact with sugary liquids, such as sucking on a pacifier that has been dipped in honey or sugar, the teeth are under constant attacks and decay can happen much faster. Try not to clean baby’s pacifier with your own mouth as you could pass decay causing bacteria. Children also shouldn’t be allowed to constantly suck on a bottle or sippy cup with sugary drinks such as juice, soda, and even milk! Only put little ones to bed with bottles or cups if they have water in them instead.

My son started swimming lessons when he was 6 months old. I remember being extremely excited about enrolling him in his first “activity,” but that all faded when he had no reaction to his swim class at all. He didn’t cry, but he definitely didn’t smile. He was unsure about the whole situation! His eyes were huge and he looked shocked during the whole first class. Like he wanted to say, “Mom, where are we and why is it so loud in here!” It took him a while to really enjoy swim lessons. He was a very quiet, calm, and shy baby.